led, very hesitant at the fences early stages, headed 3rd, led 5th, pushed along to increase pace from 12th, headed after 3 out, weakened from next
held up in last pair, not always fluent, closed 5 out, challenging when slow 3 out, led after 2 out, in command last, stayed on well
held up in last pair, mistake 11th, outpaced 5 out, mistake 2 out, soon went 3rd, stayed on flat
jumped right, chased leader, dived at 2nd, led 3rd, headed 5th, pushed along after 12th, ridden after 4 out, challenged 3 out, soon led, headed after 2 out, no impression on winner last
Honest Vic came to hand early last season but faces a stern test on his chasing bow. Ask Dillon was a strong stayer over hurdles and has yet to finish out of the frame around here. Does He Know was a Grade 2 winner over the smaller obstacles last season but has yet to prove his stamina over a trip this far. THREEUNDERTHRUFIVE’s only defeat over timber came when sixth in the Albert Bartlett in March. He’s always looked a chasing type and gets the chance to prove that theory correct today.
Ask Dillon (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Close up early stages, tracked leader after the 6th, not fluent 8th, pushed along 2 out, made strong challenge last, soon led and drew well clear run-in, won at Cheltenham 3m hcp (2) gd in Apr beating Storm Goddess (11-2) by 1 3/4l, 12 ran.
Does He Know 50-1 (11-7) Held up last, pushed along after 5th, no chance when mistake 4 out, 5th of 7, 20l behind Bob Olinger (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f (1) gs in Mar.
Honest Vic (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, never on terms, last of 10, 27l behind Ecco (11-4) at Kempton 2m 2f (4) pol in Feb.
Threeunderthrufive (IRE) 15-8 (11-3) Close-up, almost joined leader after 4 out, pushed to lead before 2 out, ridden after 2 out and drew clear, readily, won at Perth 3m lst (1) gs in Apr beating Castle Rushen (11-0) by 9 1/2l, 6 ran.
